Oasis have finally reformed for the first time since they broke up in 2009. I was one of the lucky ones to get tickets for one of the Oasis gigs in the presale ballot after everybody went “propa mad fer it”. The gig took place at Heaton Park in Manchester on the 16th of July – the third of five gigs at Heaton Park. Here’s my review of the gig and its accessibility.
The accessibility
The accessibility at this gig was excellent. Firstly, I received an email from Ticketmaster saying that there was a limited amount of accessible parking that could be booked nearby. This was at a nearby school and was a 5-minute walk away from the entrance to the park. So we didn’t have to worry about competing for parking spaces with everybody else.
From the entrance of Heaton Park to the accessible viewing platform, a smooth walkway was laid out, which was great. I rarely see those at many gigs, but they should do it at every outdoor concert. It makes driving so much easier and more comfortable for wheelchair users.
Heaton Park itself is mostly grass with some hilly areas. The ground was reasonably bumpy, but it wasn’t too bad as long as I looked out for the sloped bits of ground. The food stalls were away from smooth pathways, so I had to go over the grass, which was no problem for me. The mapbelow gives you an ideaof the layout.
But wait, it gets better!
Next to the accessible viewing platform was a Mobiloo, which was a very pleasant surprise! I didn’t know it would be there, so it was great to see it. Additionally, there were four accessible portaloos next to it, not just one, as is usually the case. And the accessible platform area was enclosed so you didn’t get able-bodied people using the accessible portaloos, which is always a problem at gigs and festivals. When there is a limited number of accessible portaloos, I don’t want to be sharing them with everybody else at the gig, only other disabled people.
The viewing platform itself was huge, and there was plenty of space for everyone to get a good view of the stage.
Overall, I was very impressed with the accessibility at this gig. This is how all outdoor gigs and festivals should be done.
The performance
Oasis had two support acts: the rock band Cast and Richard Ashcroft. I didn’t hear much of Cast’s set because I was wandering about trying to get food. But Richard Ashcroft was good. I’d seen him before at British Summer Time Festival, and he was as good as he was then. He sang some of the classic songs from The Verve, including “Bittersweet Symphony,” “The Drugs Don’t Work,” and “Sonnet,” among others.
Liam and Noel Gallagher came out on stage hand-in-hand, which is an unusual sight. It’s nice to see that they have refrained from slagging each other off so far. I’m sure, though, that once their world tour is over, they will have a celebratory punch-up.
In the meantime, Oasis put in a brilliant performance, playing a great selection of their biggest hits, including Supersonic, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, and Cigarettes and Alcohol. The encore included the fan favourites Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall, and of Course, Don’t Look Back in Anger.
Unfortunately, they didn’t play Stop Crying Your Heart Out, which is one of my favourites, but never mind. Maybe I will get a chance to see them again someday – if they manage to tolerate each other long enough, that is.
Conclusion
I was thoroughly impressed by the accessibility of the gig at Heaton Park. The Mobiloo, smooth walkways, massive viewing platform, and nearby accessible parking all made the experience easier. The gig itself was very enjoyable, and I’m glad I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Oasis in their hometown.
You jammy so-and-so looks like great access for a change.